Pubs & Sports Bars

Ale Houses, Food Trucks & Gastro-pubs Offer Laid-Back Settings

The City of Portland is well known for its assembly of pubs,
microbreweries, wine bars, oyster bars, and taverns. There are plenty of
options for enjoying a beverage or taking in the game in a casual, unpretentious
atmosphere or meeting friends for a brew where a laid-back setting is
essential.

Visitors seeking such a venue can enjoy a craft beer on the waterfront or discover a local pub in downtown Portland’s famous Old Port where visitors take in the old-world atmosphere, enjoy a pint at beer-hall style tables, and watch the goings on of the busy downtown streets. Many casual eating establishments in the area have patios for outdoor eating where views of Casco Bay help while-away a lunch hour or two, plus indoor screens to watch a game. Gastro-pubs take casual fare to its heights with décor that runs from funky to stylish, hearty fare from across the pond, harbor views, fireplaces, and attractive bars. Casual comfort food garners raves despite humble settings at the region’s diners (find vintage counter service with a modern appeal) where dining with local fisherman just in from the boat is a visitor pastime.

Downtown ale houses offer good company as a side dish to daily specials such as lobster mac & cheese or homemade chowder and ale brewed on the premises. Local pubs and casual dining establishments don’t stint on wine selections – some specialize in it, while still others offer massive menus, full of favorites like peel-and-eat shrimp, fries, chili, crab meat and lobster rolls priced right, and pies baked fresh daily. New favorites can be found here too, such as Texas-style BBQ, Belgian-style fries cooked in duck fat, and lobster poutine.